Thanks a ton for this video. Not only did it show me a cool way to segment with my own incomplete shop, it showed me ways to fix errors I've run into on other, simpler pens.
+Barry Fields Thank you Barry, It would be easy to cut the errors but I don't want other turners getting frustrated thinking I make a perfect pen every time. LOL. Regards, Bob
Thank you, My shop time has been limited so I wasn't able to build one or two then shoot a video. I had to film the prototype as I figured it out. Overall I think people like seeing the issues, I'm certainly not perfect and I could edit them out but maybe it will help someone or give an idea and another turner will pursue their own testing. Truthfully, it's just fun. :^) Regards, Bob
You are one persistent guy. I think the pen turned out great and I love the way you show your fopauhs and repairs. Thanks for a great learning experience.
Really like your "instructional" video's. Instructional because you show your problems, what you think caused it, and how to make it work again. That is invaluable. An incident free project can be enjoyable to watch but the mistakes that happen give us new turner's realize that "stuff" happens even to the experienced turners and that is just a part of turning. Also like your creative ideas. Keep on posting!
Thank you Dwight, I agree, I learn more from my mistakes than I do from my successes. My next one will be so much better. I do love prototyping though, it's the challenges that I love the most. Regards, Bob
Bob, I like your creativity, it elevates pen turning to another level. The good thing about the glitches you encounter are that you figure out how to avoid them the next time around. Thanks
Thank you very much Dave, I am editing a video where I put colored pencils into my blank, similar to the dowel pens. There were some issues I recorded and will share because these pens are tricky and the colored pencils are delicate. I hope to finish up the video and get it out soon. Regards, Bob
You sure have stickability, I would have walked away from that in a tantrum but you showed that patience and determination do pay off. Good job. Best Wishes, Brendan.
Thank you Brendan, I knew I wouldn't have another opportunity to work on it for quite a while. Now that I worked out all the bugs, the next one should be really nice. Regards, Bob
Very creative idea. I started watching the short video, but had to switch over when I saw that extra dowel on the side, like, "What's up with that?" So now I know. I'd have given up after the first time it exploded on me.
Thank you Bob, I was trying this for the first time and just didn't want to let it beat me. The next one I make will look much nicer and have far fewer problems. It will be a nice pen but the video won't be as fun to watch. Regards, Bob
Enjoying and learning a lot! I like how you try different things. Here’s an idea from my 10 year old son. He thought it would be cool to make a “see through” pen. With acrylic. Somehow without the pen tube so you can see the innards of the pen! Enjoying your videos! John
Another great experiment. Thanks and keep those great ideas coming! I've given up drilling pen blanks on the drill press and now always drill them on the lathe. There seems to be far fewer surprises.
Great looking pen. I, like you, keep all the pens I have a problem with for my own use. They go on my desk. I have quite a few on my desk. Good job and very creative.
Neat looking effect on the pen! If I can ever get my lathe set up I may have to try something like that. Of course if the pen is not good enough for you then you can always throw it my way! ;)
Nice job Bob. I think I will try this one when I have a few hours to spare. I would make a suggestion to use a center punch to help keep everything aligned a little better when drilling. .
This pen looks so cool! Nice thinking on how to fix the issues you had.... I also liked how you slowed the video down so we could see what happened. :D
Another solution to keep the hole centered is to drill from both ends and meet in the middle for the tube this way you only walk out half the distance. And a pilot hole might help.
Great idea. I wonder if regular PVA wood glue would have worked better than CA? It would take longer, but wood glue provides a stronger bond and is less apt to shatter when you get a catch. I'm just thinking out loud.
Bob, thanks for showing everything, warts and all. being new to this, so many videos seem like everything goes off without a hitch. I'm definitely not that calibre of a turner. I am anxious to find out the details of how you sharpened the wrench to use it on the lathe. Do you have a video?
Thank you Chris, I want to make the videos I was looking for when I started. I want you to be able to go out to your shop and make this same blank and hopefully avoid the issues I had. Hopefully I have accomplished that. I do have a video on making the tenon tool: ruclips.net/video/CEqroK7qIRY/видео.html Regards, Bob
Rewatched video and find it amazing! Wonder if you ever turn Black Palm? I have found it to be very brittle and wonder if you have a suggestion. Waiting for you to get back with videos Ron
Black palm is horribly brittle. I find it’s best to turn it from the center out towards the bushings. I’ve never had any luck with Carbide. I’ve only had successes with a very sharp skew. Regards, Bob
Thanks! Will try it that way. Knew you would have some answers. Have tried layering or sandwiching between other woods but still disintegrates on the lathe.
If you can find someone who stabilizes wood, maybe you could work out a deal with them to stabilize a piece for you. It turns really well stabilized. Regards, Bob
Good morning Terry, I actually cut those down to size with a hack saw blade. Then I barrel trimmed the blank actually twice. The first time to true the ends and the second time to get it to size. The brass is soft so I haven't noticed any issues with dulling but since it's not wood it probably does. Regards, Bob
Great pen and a great save also. After the second blowout I would have chunked the whole thing; you did wonderful. What made the top of the pen darker than the bottom (16:40 - 17:40 or the end)?
Thank you Kevin, This new YT tool is showing me all the comments I missed over the years. Apologies for not responding sooner. I hope you're still watching and enjoying my videos. If you haven't checked out the channel for a while, please stop by and see some of the newer videos. I've made a bunch of the over the years. Regards, Bob
+jwestskate1 I use PSI’s thin and Stick Fast medium. I still use the SF Activator but only on the last coat and only after it air dries for a while. Regards Bob
Tip of the hat for a man who is not afraid to show what can go wrong and the solution!
Thank you Ronald.
Regards,
Bob
Thanks a ton for this video. Not only did it show me a cool way to segment with my own incomplete shop, it showed me ways to fix errors I've run into on other, simpler pens.
Your welcome,
I'm really glad the video was useful to you.
Regards,
Bob
That wrench trick was awesome!
+grandolddrummer Thank you.
Regards,
Bob
Great job Bob. You are a awesome teacher. Take care. Buddha, Beachmere Queensland Australia
Thank you David.
Regards,
Bob
I love the fact that you show these experiments from start to finish mistakes and all. 🙂👍
+Barry Fields Thank you Barry,
It would be easy to cut the errors but I don't want other turners getting frustrated thinking I make a perfect pen every time. LOL.
Regards,
Bob
I have to give it to you Bob your not a quitter an you come up with some good ideas.
Thank you,
My shop time has been limited so I wasn't able to build one or two then shoot a video. I had to film the prototype as I figured it out.
Overall I think people like seeing the issues, I'm certainly not perfect and I could edit them out but maybe it will help someone or give an idea and another turner will pursue their own testing.
Truthfully, it's just fun. :^)
Regards,
Bob
Adversity always makes us better turners. Nice project Bob, I'll certainly give this a crack.
Thank you very much.
Regards,
Bob
You are one persistent guy. I think the pen turned out great and I love the way you show your fopauhs and repairs. Thanks for a great learning experience.
Thank you Joe,
I like to keep it real, we all make mistakes and I want people to keep trying and never give up.
Regards,
Bob
Really like your "instructional" video's. Instructional because you show your problems, what you think caused it, and how to make it work again. That is invaluable. An incident free project can be enjoyable to watch but the mistakes that happen give us new turner's realize that "stuff" happens even to the experienced turners and that is just a part of turning. Also like your creative ideas. Keep on posting!
Thank you Dwight,
I agree, I learn more from my mistakes than I do from my successes. My next one will be so much better. I do love prototyping though, it's the challenges that I love the most.
Regards,
Bob
I think I will try that. You do some awesome projects thanks
Thank you Warren.
Regards,
Bob
That looks amazing.
Thank you Mark.
Regards,
Bob
I really like this idea. I don't know if my heart could stand the anxiety of turning in myself after watching what you went thru.
LOL Sean,
The challenge is half the fun.
Regards,
Bob
Bob, I like your creativity, it elevates pen turning to another level. The good thing about the glitches you encounter are that you figure out how to avoid them the next time around. Thanks
Thank you very much Dave,
I am editing a video where I put colored pencils into my blank, similar to the dowel pens. There were some issues I recorded and will share because these pens are tricky and the colored pencils are delicate. I hope to finish up the video and get it out soon.
Regards,
Bob
very informative as usual Bob.
Thank you Mike.
Regards,
Bob
You persevered and created a beautiful piece. Great Job!
Thank you Paulie.
Regards,
Bob
I would be honored to have that pen
+Barry Fields Thank you, unfortunately I ended up disassembling it and making a corncob blank for that kit.
Regards,
Bob
You sure have stickability, I would have walked away from that in a tantrum but you showed that patience and determination do pay off. Good job.
Best Wishes, Brendan.
Thank you Brendan,
I knew I wouldn't have another opportunity to work on it for quite a while. Now that I worked out all the bugs, the next one should be really nice.
Regards,
Bob
I think that really came out cool Rob! Keep experimenting, and I will stay tuned. Many blessings to you!
Thank you Tracy.
Regards,
Bob
Great video. As soon as life slows down some I will be trying this.
Thank you Frank,
I hope things slow down for you soon.
Regards,
Bob
Very creative idea. I started watching the short video, but had to switch over when I saw that extra dowel on the side, like, "What's up with that?" So now I know. I'd have given up after the first time it exploded on me.
Thank you Bob,
I was trying this for the first time and just didn't want to let it beat me. The next one I make will look much nicer and have far fewer problems. It will be a nice pen but the video won't be as fun to watch.
Regards,
Bob
Hi!Very nice Work.Great!!
Thank you very much.
Regards,
Bob
Great project! Thanks for what you do and for sharing it with us, WARTS and all!
Your welcome Steve,
I really appreciate you watching and especially commenting. I love hearing from everyone.
Regards,
Bob
Enjoying and learning a lot! I like how you try different things. Here’s an idea from my 10 year old son. He thought it would be cool to make a “see through” pen. With acrylic. Somehow without the pen tube so you can see the innards of the pen!
Enjoying your videos!
John
Hello John,
That’s called a demonstrator. I’d love to make one of those and if I ever get a clear tube, it’s gonna happen.
Regards,
Bob
Another great experiment. Thanks and keep those great ideas coming! I've given up drilling pen blanks on the drill press and now always drill them on the lathe. There seems to be far fewer surprises.
I'm trying to move that way, I need a #2 MT Jacobs chuck.
Regards,
Bob
YOu are fearless! all these issues and you just keep going! my hero!
Thank you.
Regards,
Bob
Good video, lots of work. Glad it turned out looking as good as it did. thanks for sharing.
Thank you Thomas,
Prototyping a blank is always messy for me. It's the second try that looks good. :^)
Regards,
Bob
Great looking pen. I, like you, keep all the pens I have a problem with for my own use. They
go on my desk. I have quite a few on my desk. Good job and very creative.
Thank you Dennis,
I use them for a while then I'll knock them apart and make somethings else went a new idea hits me.
Regards,
Bob
Great video Bob, the pen came out really nice, Cheers, Harry.
Thank you Harry.
Regards,
Bob
Neat looking effect on the pen! If I can ever get my lathe set up I may have to try something like that. Of course if the pen is not good enough for you then you can always throw it my way! ;)
Thank you Charles,
Im going to knock it apart and make a matching Stratus pen and pencil set.
Regards,
Bob
Nice job Bob. I think I will try this one when I have a few hours to spare. I would make a suggestion to use a center punch to help keep everything aligned a little better when drilling. .
Great idea, also a stop block or fence would help greatly. The first ones always loaded with issues.
Regards,
Bob
This pen looks so cool! Nice thinking on how to fix the issues you had.... I also liked how you slowed the video down so we could see what happened. :D
Thank you Sarah,
I love seeing videos videos like this too, they teach me how to approach problems. I'm just charging what I've learned.
Regards,
Bob
Great video i think it turned out beautiful I love the design
Thank you Peter,
I was pleasantly surprised once I got it turned because I really had no idea what it would look like ahead of time.
Regards,
Bob
Looks great, you have a lot more patience than do.
Thank you B.J.,
I find it very relaxing and rewarding.
Regards,
Bob
Another solution to keep the hole centered is to drill from both ends and meet in the middle for the tube this way you only walk out half the distance. And a pilot hole might help.
Thank you Greg.
Regards,
Bob
How do you come up with your ideas Bob.Fantastic pen pure genius
Thank you John,
I'm not really sure, I just start with one idea and it's like a snow ball rolling down hill.
Regards,
Bob
Love how you stuck with it till the end. I wonder how a carbide tool would work, if it would still blow out has much.
+WigWagWorkshop Great question,
I have a carbide cutter but I don't use it often.
Regards,
Bob
Great idea. I wonder if regular PVA wood glue would have worked better than CA? It would take longer, but wood glue provides a stronger bond and is less apt to shatter when you get a catch. I'm just thinking out loud.
It defiantly would. I used C/A for time constraints.
Regards,
Bob.
Bob, thanks for showing everything, warts and all. being new to this, so many videos seem like everything goes off without a hitch. I'm definitely not that calibre of a turner. I am anxious to find out the details of how you sharpened the wrench to use it on the lathe. Do you have a video?
Thank you Chris,
I want to make the videos I was looking for when I started. I want you to be able to go out to your shop and make this same blank and hopefully avoid the issues I had. Hopefully I have accomplished that.
I do have a video on making the tenon tool:
ruclips.net/video/CEqroK7qIRY/видео.html
Regards,
Bob
Rewatched video and find it amazing! Wonder if you ever turn Black Palm? I have found it to be very brittle and wonder if you have a suggestion. Waiting for you to get back with videos Ron
Black palm is horribly brittle. I find it’s best to turn it from the center out towards the bushings. I’ve never had any luck with Carbide. I’ve only had successes with a very sharp skew.
Regards,
Bob
Thanks! Will try it that way. Knew you would have some answers.
Have tried layering or sandwiching between other woods but still disintegrates on the lathe.
If you can find someone who stabilizes wood, maybe you could work out a deal with them to stabilize a piece for you. It turns really well stabilized.
Regards,
Bob
I enjoyed that one I think I will have to have a go at it if that's OK with you
+Woody Turner Please do,
I'd love to see your version when you finish.
Regards,
Bob
+RJBWoodTurner thank you I will have a go later in the week I do love a challenge
+Woody Turner 👍🏻
Great project Bob. Do you use the barrel trimmer on the brass tube? If so, does it dull the trimmer?
Good morning Terry,
I actually cut those down to size with a hack saw blade. Then I barrel trimmed the blank actually twice. The first time to true the ends and the second time to get it to size. The brass is soft so I haven't noticed any issues with dulling but since it's not wood it probably does.
Regards,
Bob
Really enjoy your videos. Question I have the same harbor freight lathe what chuck and adapter do you use for making the dowels?.
I use a Nova 2 chuck with a 1” x 8tpi adaptor.
Regards,
Bob
Thank you, I wasnt sure what adaptor to use. I appreciate your help
Great pen and a great save also. After the second blowout I would have chunked the whole thing; you did wonderful. What made the top of the pen darker than the bottom (16:40 - 17:40 or the end)?
Thank you Frank,
I believe I had two different shades of maple dowels. I used two entire maple blanks and two walnut blanks on this pen.
Regards,
Bob
I like the pen you made and you did a great job making it . do you use polish on all your projects?
Hello Dale,
Yes, I like to polish the pens, it makes the look really nice and eye catching.
Regards,
Bob
Rob, do you remember which pen kit this is in this video ?
Hello Jean,
That kit is a Stratus from Penn State. www.pennstateind.com.
Regards,
Bob
first to like the video! love the pen!!
Thank you Kevin,
This new YT tool is showing me all the comments I missed over the years. Apologies for not responding sooner.
I hope you're still watching and enjoying my videos.
If you haven't checked out the channel for a while, please stop by and see some of the newer videos.
I've made a bunch of the over the years.
Regards,
Bob
Bob, do you still use "Stick Fast" glue and accelerator?
+jwestskate1 I use PSI’s thin and Stick Fast medium. I still use the SF Activator but only on the last coat and only after it air dries for a while.
Regards
Bob
Too bad for the mishaps other than that its a sexy pen!
Thank you Brian,
You need to give one of these a try. I'd love to see your take on it.
Regards,
Bob